This section contains some "Parental Advice" that may just help you out
on your trip!
The first bit of advice, of course, that we parents can give is, DON'T GO.
Stay home with us and be safe. We'll do your laundry, cook for you and make
sure you eat well, go to sleep on time and don't go anywhere that's "unsafe".
The second bit of advice if you ignore our first piece of advice is take someone
along with you and to make sure (s)he's a black belt in karate (and other martial
arts too) and generally trained in all sorts of police skills.
Okay, we can't convince you to not go and you refuse to take an officer of the
law (or soldier) along with you. Now what? What can we advise you?
Well, remember that you are going to places you may never have been to before.
The rules and customs of your home or those areas that you have already visited,
may not apply. Have respect for your surroundings and don't be afraid to be
afraid. By that we mean, if your gut tells you that something you have planned
is "wrong" or some place you are going is "not safe", trust your instincts and
err on the side of caution.
Check the tires. Check the oil. Have a phone card. Drink plenty of water. Call
home. Don't flash your money in public. Don't just trust anyone that seems "nice"
to you. Just because they look like grandma doesn't mean they are grandma. No
hitchhikers. Someone you met last night or this morning is not a "friend". Always
let us or somebody know where you're headed so that we or whoever knows your
itinerary can know when to panic b/c you haven't been heard from. Carry a cell
phone. Call home. Eat regularly. Don't urinate in places where it's not allowed.
Be sure to get enough sleep. Don't speed. Driving laws are different in each
state as are "driving customs". Don't know everything... be willing to learn.
You are not invincible. Wash your hands often. No alcohol. Alcohol and driving
NEVER mix even in small quantities. Obviously, no drugs. Don't think that opening
the windows and playing the radio real loud will keep you awake. Sleep deprivation
is just as bad, if not worse, than drinking and driving. Call home. Make sure
the radiator doesn't leak. Try not to just "pull over" and sleep on the side
of the road. Be aware of the weather and pending storms, hurricanes, floods,
tornadoes, blizzards, sleet, rain, etc.. Call home. Make sure to get the service
designated for your car in the owner's manual.
Now go out there and see our country, its people and how beautiful they can
be.
